What links the gentle heights of the Yorkshire Dales with the murkier depths of the African Jungle? Here’s a clue: during the 14th century reign of Edward II, the Nidd estate was owned by Ralph, Baron Greystoke, whose descendant Lord John Greystoke (according to the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs) led a double life as Tarzan of the Apes.
Tarzan’s questionable provenance aside, the Greystoke family is as real as any other Nidd Name of the past 1,000 years; among them the Trappes, the Butler-Lawsons and, bringing us up to date, the 18th Viscount Mountgarret. Rumour has it that Kind Edward VIII was introduced to Mrs Wallis-Simpson at one of the many parties hosted in the grand hall. So on arrival at Nidd Hall, be prepared for a rich thicket of great names and illustrious heraldry – loincloths optional.
